Summary: The aim of this student competition is to design a 1,500 square foot event pavilion near or within the Estate House footprint to have a unique relationship with the designed landscape that can enhance the visitor experience and provide a platform for community, family gatherings, and celebrations inviting new and regular visitors to the Ames Estate.
Description: Governor Ames Estate lies in the center of the tightly developed village of North Easton, Massachusetts. It is adjacent to regional populations from the surrounding communities of over 320,000 people. The town recently has moved to create a cultural district to create a cohesive approach to marketing all it has to offer and creating opportunities for partnerships across many of the organizations. The cultural district is the Easton Shovel Town Cultural District and seeks to connect visitors to town landmarks, private businesses, and cultural initiatives.
The estate house site itself holds a prominent position in the landscape, which had been carefully chosen and manipulated in design by Governor Ames. It still captures one of the best vantage points on the property, with views down to both the Fish Pond and Shovelshop Pond and well positioned to capture the summer breeze.
Besides the task to design a 1,500 square foot event pavilion, a nearby stone carriage house built in the style of the original mansion is to remain and may be considered as usable for the pavilion support program elements. Foundation ruins of the 1897 greenhouse and conservatory complex are to be reimagined as part of the program.
Access more information on the competition website here!